Venezuela’s National Assembly has approved a strategic cooperation treaty with Russia, covering energy, defence, technology and economic sectors, though it still requires President Nicolas Maduro's approval. The move comes amid rising tensions with the United States, which has deployed eight warships, a nuclear submarine and fighter jets to the southern Caribbean, citing drug trafficking concerns. Maduro was also awarded an honorary doctorate in "security issues" from the Bolivarian Military University, highlighting his focus on national defence. Meanwhile, Panama will host US Marines for joint jungle training exercises to strengthen regional security. As military posturing intensifies in the Caribbean, the standoff between Venezuela, Russia, and the US continues to escalate.
